Grades and Girls: What Your Parents Never Told You About College Read online

  The idea of traveling around the country to find a place that fits you best is a big part of Clarey’s Reconnaissance Man. The only thing you have to reconcile is the out-of-state tuition if you decide you’re set on attending school in Florida or Colorado, when you’re from Ohio or Kansas. This can be reconciled by getting in-state residency after living in that state after one year. If you’re willing to do that you can save big bucks down the road, while enjoying a more fun part of the country.

  5.) Finalize: It’s time to seal the deal. Once you’re accepted and do all the necessary paperwork and other stuff, the school will walk you through the process.

  Before you finalize your decision, here are some more factors that you should take into consideration.

  Choosing the Best University (For You)

  This subtitle is deliberate: The best university for you.

  College rankings are a joke.[10] Sure, there are better schools than others in terms of raw academics. Princeton is better than some Podunk state school, but chances are you won’t get into Princeton or a comparable University (Hate to break it to ya…). In fact, if you don’t get into a Top 10 or 20 university, the rankings are virtually useless.

  As Aaron Clarey says, it’s not about the university, it’s about the major.

  The Case for In-State

  With that concept in mind, you want to choose a university that is accredited (duh), affordable, offers the major you want, close to home and offers a good social life. The best option is a large, state school. Preferably your state college.

  If you’re reading this book it means you probably want to have a good social experience during college, but also want to have a great job out of college. In that case, it’s state school’s all the way.

  Some state schools are better than others. Schools like University of Michigan and Virginia are some of the best public schools in the country—in fact, University of Virginia offers the most bang for your buck of any school. You’ll have a great social life, but the programs offered there in things like Business and Engineering are on par with many elite private institutions.

  I went to Ohio State University. But I’m from Maryland. I got a scholarship that made tuition virtually the same as what it would cost to attend Maryland in-state, but had I not received that scholarship, there was no reason not to stay in-state.

  I know a lot of you have dreams of going to a particular ‘party’ school. The truth is that all big-state schools have a good party scene.

  Moreover, picking a school for the party scene is a retarded idea. For example, Wisconsin has a great party scene (so I’ve heard). But if you’re from Iowa, why not just go to University of Iowa? There’s going to be girls, booze and bars whatever school you choose. Make the smart move and stay in-state.

  In fact, staying in-state can easily save you $10,000 a year on tuition! (Although with getting in-state residency, you can save that money for 3 years of tuition).

  Being close to home is also underrated. Having to fly home for the holidays is a drag. Moreover, having family around will come in handy.

  My first semester at college I contracted mononucleosis. I felt like utter shit for two weeks, and had to take it easy for another few. I sucked it up and went to all my classes and did just fine. That said, it would have been nice to live at home and be taken care of by family, while not having to worry about things like laundry and food.

  I know when you’re 18 you want to be independent. Truth is, if your parents are paying for school and your rent, you’re not independent at all. Why not just stay near home?

  Fuck Liberal Arts Colleges!

  To many, liberal arts colleges seem idyllic. They’re usually tucked away in some rural part of the country, on a beautiful piece of land. The campus is attractive and there’s an atmosphere of freedom and wisdom.

  Don’t be fooled.

  If you’re looking for a good career and/or the college experience, you won’t find it anywhere near liberal arts colleges.

  These institutions are overpriced with little value to offer. There is no way you’re going to get a good return on investment, whether it’s on academics or getting laid. Liberal arts colleges are also hotbeds of regressive liberals who wish to punish the traditional, masculine way of life.

  Stay away!

  Stick to the big state schools.

  Prestige

  When high school kids and then their parents are applying to schools, they take prestige into account. The truth is: Prestige does not matter![11]

  The reason for this is that the amount of tuition you will pay at these schools will not transfer to a significantly higher salary out of school. Therefore, you’re actually getting a raw deal at these schools, assuming you even find a job. Okay, a student from Harvard will get a job over someone from Southwest Dakota Technical Institute (not a real school) all else equal, but in general, prestige should not play a big role.

  But after you land your first job, then experience becomes what employers are looking for. Where you actually went to school is just something to discuss at cocktail parties.

  Case Study: Public or Private

  I push the state schools strongly, because that’s what will fit best for most people. However, some of you may have your eye on top academic institutions which will translate into a high-paying career.

  The biggest factor you will have to consider is how much more are you willing to pay?

  I once overheard a conversation about someone being accepted into Stanford. Over four years, the tuition would cost nearly $200,000 for an undergraduate degree. If they stayed in state, they would pay only 20-40% of that.

  Is that extra $160,000 worth it?

  If the student planned to make an additional $50,000+ a year then it may be something to consider. However, I don’t like the idea of having that much debt over my head. Moreover, the Stanford student won’t likely make $200,000 a year right out of college, which means the debt will be greater than the income. That violates one of our earlier principles so I would rule it out.

  The Community College Route

  One of the most highly touted ways to cut costs on college is to attend community college for part of your college career. In many states, if you attend community college or satellite campus of the states’ flagship school, you are eligible for entry to the main school.

  This process can vary, and you likely aren’t guaranteed acceptance, but if you get decent grades you should have no issue matriculating into a good program.

  There are a handful of benefits and drawbacks to this system.

  The obvious benefit is that you can save money on tuition. You will pay only a fraction at community college from what you would at the main state school. Moreover, you can live at home and have virtually no expenses. If you do work on the side you should be able to put yourself in a good financial position too by the time you’re ready to transfer.

  The drawbacks are in regards to the lack of social life. Honestly, this is not something you should worry too much about. Don’t feel like you’re missing out on college if you’re at community college or a smaller campus. Yes, it won’t be as fun, but you can still make up for it in your final two years. Plus, the amount you save on costs and the benefit of focusing on grades will pay off in the long run.

  Many employers will be able to see the fact that you attended community college on your resume. For jobs in IT and engineering, I can’t see this playing a big role. However, for a job like investment banking or working at a big accounting firm, it may influence the employer’s decision.

  Before enrolling in a community college, see what the process is for transferring. If it is a smooth path, you should definitely consider it.

  Chapter 5: How to Approach College

  If you’re already in college, or plan on enrolling in the near future, you need to develop the right mindset. I know the idea of fucking young freshman girls and doing keg stands every weekend sounds appealing, but that shouldn’t be your focus.

&n
bsp; You must treat college as an investment. You’re putting a lot of time and money into your university, therefore you should receive a lot in return. This means a good job, a large network of bright and talented people, social skills and a brain filled with wisdom.

  Moreover, if college is the ‘best time of your life’, what does that say about your future? Does that mean you will never have as much fun or enjoyment out of life again? That’s not what you should be aiming for.

  If you’re already in college, or plan on enrolling in the near future, you need to develop the right mindset. I know the idea of fucking young freshman girls and doing keg stands every weekend sounds appealing, but that shouldn’t be your focus.

  You must treat college as an investment. You’re putting a lot of time and money into your university, therefore, you should receive a lot in return. This means a good job, a large network of bright and talented people, social skills and a brain filled with wisdom.

  Moreover, if college is the ‘best time of your life’, what does that say about your future? Does that mean you will never have as much fun or enjoyment out of life again? That’s not what you should be aiming for.

  Men are lucky. As we age we become wealthier, wiser, and in an ideal case healthier and more attractive. Why on Earth should drinking shitty light beer on the weekends be the best time of your life? Wouldn’t you rather be millionaire, standing up in your penthouse, overlooking a city or beach with a gorgeous woman at your side? Whatever your fantasy is, it should not end at college.

  To achieve the ideal outcome after college, there are a number of principles you should follow. Here are 5 from Wall Street Playboys:[12]

  1) You should attend the highest quality university possible while minimizing debt.

  2) You should major in a subject with legitimate career prospects and the development of niche knowledge (these go hand and hand together).

  3) You should not spend 90%+ of your time chasing girls, the only ones who get away with this are those with good family business connections or people who simply get lucky.

  4) You should learn how to outwork all of your peers, college is a time where you’re on your own so you will be forced to develop these skills solo.

  5) You should obtain internships/work experience in your field because the student with a 4.0 and no internships will not beat you for the top careers.

  This is great advice. Highlight it or write it down somewhere.

  If you stick to this, and throw in partying 1-2 times per week, you will be at the top of your game.

  In undergrad, I followed 2-3/5 of these. Same with graduate school. The first two are the biggest, and I ignored these. Had I implemented all of 5 of these concepts I would be in a better position than at present.

  Chapter 6: SJW’s, Feminists and Marxists, Oh My!

  Universities were once respected centers of learning. They were places where men could gather and discuss powerful ideas, debate with other bright minds, and work to uncover the truth.

  Today, universities have not only abandoned this model, but they’ve essentially rid themselves of debate altogether. In fact, questioning the tenets of their ideology is going to put you in a world of hurt.

  Dealing with Marxist Professors

  Professors are some of the most egotistical and narcissistic people on the planet. The reason for this is that they have lived and worked in a bubble their whole careers. They don’t know what it’s like to work in the private sector and to actually work hard to make money. Not only does it make them lazy, but it makes them unaware of political and arguments.

  But the biggest factor is that these professors never get criticized. Professors are expected to publish every so often, but these books are not being sold in book stores. Rather, they’re being published in esoteric journals and websites no one ever reads except other academics in that field. Once the professor publishes they get wonderful feedback from their peers. When another colleague writes a piece, they get lauded for that too. And this circle jerk continues ad nauseum.

  These professors are not use to criticism. Nor can they handle it. So when you try and debate a professor or ask prodding questions, they’ll immediately try and shut you down. Not through logic, but with insults and asserting dominance in the classroom.

  I’ve come to the conclusion that debating professors, and most people in general, is useless. People are rarely, if ever, going to change a position on something through one conversation. Sure, pointing out obvious facts will go a long way in doing so, but is still unlikely to make the person budge if they’re emotionally invested in an issue.

  You have nothing to gain by arguing with a professor, only things to lose. Fortunately you can avoid this by doing one simple thing…

  Avoid Liberal Arts Classes

  Professors in STEM and business fields are not going to try and indoctrinate you with leftist drivel. Simply put, it’s not part of their curriculum. If you’re in a class trying to learn advanced calculus, how on Earth can the professor afford to spend 15 minutes ranting about inequality and oppression when the content of the course is so vital?

  They don’t.

  In fact, most professors will not bring up divisive subjects in class. It’s been exaggerated for the most part, given you choose a legitimate field of study.

  The first time I was exposed to blatant Marxism in a classroom was in my sociology class. I took it late Junior year as a required course and was stunned with what I had to listen to. It was like the Democratic National Committee sent this teacher talking points for the whole semester. It was outrageous and absurd. But I sat there and took it to get the grade.

  Throughout your four years of college, you will likely come across a lot of racism and intolerance—not towards ethnic and religious minorities, but towards whites, Christians and men! This is what modern liberalism hath wrought.

  Again, I think the extent of this is exaggerated. If you study a STEM field, you should rarely have to deal with it. That said, this ideology permeates throughout the university and academia. It may come in the form of protests on campus, mandatory sensitivity classes, or a kangaroo court system that kicks young men out of school for false rape charges. Whatever the issue, you must be aware of these ideologies in a toxic environment.

  Don’t let your guard down. Surround yourself with intelligent, hard-working and free thinking men. They’ll have your back and will provide you an opportunity to discuss ideas you may not be able to elsewhere.

  The rabid liberals and social justice warriors are deeply unhappy people. They are lost and confused, and cling to these ideologies to feel not only meaningful, but powerful.

  If you go to college, study hard, party hard and make yourself a better man. You’ll get a lot of haters, but you’ll just point and laugh.

  Part 2: PLAY

  “That party last night was awfully crazy I wish we taped it, I danced my ass off and had this one girl completely naked, Drink my beer and smoke my weed, But my good friends is all I need Pass out at three, wake up at 10 Go out to eat, then do it again, man I love college..” -Asher Roth

  It’s real easy to forget about why you are actually in college sometimes. When you’re having a blast out on the weekends with your friends, you forget about the work that’s involved with college. You ignore the responsibilities that future adulthood and independence will bring.

  That’s all well and good. Relax, enjoy yourself. Just don’t get too carried away.

  This section will cover all the social concepts you’ll come across in college: Parties, social circles, Greek Life, relationships, day game and much more.

  It’s a lengthy section. Pay careful attention and take notes if necessary. And of course, you can always come back and read this over again.

  Chapter 7: The Great College Myth

  From the impressions we are given it seems that everyone in college is getting laid all the time and having crazy parties. While I never doubted the existence of such parties, I had yet to experience it
within my first few weeks of school. It wasn’t until Halloween that I attended my first party.

  Me and a few buddies decided to venture off campus in search for some parties. I was the leader of the pack, so that gives you an idea of the people I was rolling with. I got word of a party and we headed there. The lawn was fenced off and people were playing pong outside. It was a site to behold. My first party! *Sheds tears*

  Well, we didn’t really know what to do and I think all the booze was gone so we went across the street to another party. The party can be described in one word: Ratchet. Now this was probably just a normal house party, but my perception of it was that it was glorious seeing as it was my first night out in college. I remember there being lots of sexy girls and a keg. At one point one of these sexy girls starts flirting with me hardcore. I froze. I literally had no clue what to do. She got pissed off at me and stomped off clearly frustrated with the absence of my dick inside her.